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Saturday, November 10, 2012

South Loop Businesses Work Locally to Impact International Change in Education

We love it when people in our community chip in and make a difference. We like it better when it's a broader coordinated effort. We recently heard about some local businesses that are teaming up for a great cause:

Gaurang Patel, the Principal of South Loop CPA, has joined together with local South Loop
businesses to support Chicago non-profit, Link Community Development USA (Link USA).
Link works with governments and communities to transform education systems in sub-Saharan
Africa, with a particular focus on serving the most poor and marginalized children in rural areas.
Currently reaching over 4,000 schools in Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa and Uganda,
Link is making great strides to improve the quality of education for all.

Gaurang’s passion for promoting education was spurred by his upbringing in Zimbabwe.
Political and economic instability in his home country taught Gaurang first-hand the importance
of education: basic skills acquired in the classroom – skills that we take for granted every day
– can create opportunities to transform lives and escape poverty. While his commitment spans
continents, Gaurang became involved locally through the London School of Economics alumni
group. He is now a member of the Link USA Board of Directors, headquartered in downtown
Chicago.

Gaurang partnered South Loop CPA with Link USA to show his support for quality education
and encourages other business owners to follow his lead. He supports Link USA because
it “creates the hope for an underprivileged child to move forward” by leveraging innovative US-
based education initiatives and resources in support of Link’s international programs.

Sixpax core and Pilates studio (1329 S. Michiagn Ave) in the South Loop is also promoting Link USA for the month of
November in conjunction with Link USA’s Annual Appeal (Nov 1st through Dec 31st). Along
with providing Pilates to the South Loop neighborhood, Sixpax believes in the importance of
giving back to the community. Through their “Reach Out. Give Back.” program, Sixpax chooses
a local organization to feature each month. This November, Sixpax will reward customers
for getting involved and donating to Link USA – even giving free classes and private Pilates
sessions for donations of $15 and $45 respectively.

Local resident and Stella & Dot Independent Stylist, Tracey Harkins, is eager to contribute to
Link USA’s mission and is hosting a jewelry trunk show, donating her commission from all
sales to Link USA. The event takes place in the South Loop neighborhood on Tuesday evening,
November 8th and will help kick-off the Link USA Annual Appeal. If you’re interested in
attending, or want to shop online for a great cause, email Link USA at info@lcd-usa.org.